Drag Tag overtakes Gort, all for a good cause

GORT will host one of the most unusual sporting events of the summer this month. Gort Community Centre confirmed it will be running a Drag Tag Rugby tournament in aid of Gort Cancer Support as part of its free open day on July 16. 
“We haven’t seen this anywhere else. I was living in Dublin so we played in tag leagues every summer and at one stage, there was a fancy dress tag but I though the word ‘drag’ would work well with ‘tag’ and that’s really how this idea came about. The mixed leagues are always the best craic where there are boys and girls. There was a tag league here but it was run by rugby league and we will have a mini-tag competition before the drag tag on the day as well,” explained Marianne Fahy, one of the organisers.
Since the idea of Drag Tag was mooted a few weeks ago, the response has been overwhelmingly positive according to Ms Fahy.
“We just mentioned it to a few people after I was asked to get involved in the community centre open day and the response has been unbelievable. I wanted to include something that was a draw for the general public, not just people who are involved in sports, who just want to have a bit of craic. This competition is more about entertainment than athleticism. It is for less sporty types and we would welcome anyone to come along and join in.
“I haven’t really put the idea out there very much yet but loads of people have already committed. The number of teams depends on the interest really but we will fit teams in if they get in touch and want to take part. Fitness is really optional. It is not about people feeling ‘oh I can’t run to save my life,’ a sense of humour is the only mandatory bit,” she continued.
While most of the events on the day are free, there is a charge to enter the Drag Tag event, however, the proceeds will be donated to Gort Cancer Support.
“It is a local charity and the sad reality is that everyone knows someone with cancer and the service is being used. It offers holistic services, support, information and practical assistance to anyone affected by cancer. Because the service is in demand, funds are running low so we decided we wanted to help. The money raised from the Drag Tag will go to Gort Cancer Support so anyone taking part is not only having a bit of fun but also helping a really good cause,” Ms Fahy commented.
“The teams are to consist of five people with at least two females on each side. While a number of businesses and clubs have entered teams already, anyone can come along and take part, they don’t have to have a team. We will always be looking for subs. Girls are encouraged to dress up too and maybe go for exaggerated make-up, big hair and crazy tights with runners. It is going to be really good fun and we are looking forward to seeing lots of people getting into the spirit of it,” Ms Fahy asserted.
The open day will kick off at 11am on Saturday, July 16, continuing right through to 5pm with both indoor and outdoor events, details of which will be revealed in the coming weeks on the centre’s new website www.thecentregort.com and on its Facebook page – TheCentreGort.
“We have lots on throughout the day so we are hoping lots of people will come along and see what the centre has to offer. There is underage Futsal on in the morning, then a soccer tournament with Coole FC. There will be a gymnastics show and an Irish dancing display and then we have the mini tag competition followed by the Drag Tag. We have bouncy castles and a puppet show for the younger children too and there are lots of things that aren’t finalised yet but we are hoping will work out. I would like to have a snooker tournament so I am hoping people will want to take part. We will also have a cinema event with a couple of showings for kids and adults. We hope to have Zumba, which is a programme which combines Latin American dance and fitness and maybe even a camogie skills display. The whole day is centred around highlighting the versatility of the centre,” Ms Fahy concluded.
Anyone interested in participating or who has any queries can email thecentregort@yahoo.ie.